Making it Work

Yeast specialist firm WHC aims for significant growth this year

The business, based in Wicklow, develops specialised forms of yeast for the beer, wine and spirits sectors

Philip Woodnutt, co-founder, WHC Lab: ‘The big markets we haven’t hit yet are Australia, New Zealand and the US. We really want to start and grow within those markets.’ Picture: Bryan Meade

WHC Lab expects to double its annual revenue to €5 million this year and is targeting annual revenue of €20 million within three years.

The business, based in Newtownmountkennedy in Co Wicklow, develops specialised forms of yeast for the beer, wine and spirits sectors. It was founded by Philip Woodnutt and Tony O’Kane in 2018 and currently has 13 staff.

“We grow yeast cultures for breweries and distilleries across Europe. It’s used to brew beer or alcohol, what they call the wash, in spirits. I used to live in Canada and found companies focused on the area in North America but none in Europe,” Woodnutt told the Business Post.